“Let’s talk about… Doing it together: Sharing contacts, stages and resources” – Open Peer-to-Peer Exchange for Musicians

Moderated by: Melissa Perales

Melissa Perales is a Music Pool Berlin consultant and board member, curator, promoter and cultural worker who has been active in Berlin’s independent music scene since the 1990s. Through her M series, she has been promoting concerts and putting artists on stages across Berlin since 2004.

About the Session

The group session “Let’s talk about…” expands Music Pool Berlin’s consulting work into a small-group format focused on exchange, reflection and shared learning.

Who could you team up with to organise a show, reach listeners in another city or develop a project together? What could you offer another artist—and what support would help you move forward?

Following our session on booking your own shows, this conversation takes the next step: exploring how artists can create opportunities together. From sharing stages and contacts to pooling equipment, exchanging skills and developing joint funding ideas, we’ll look at what cooperation can mean in practice.

Participants are invited to bring a real idea, need or resource to the table. Together, we’ll explore where interests connect, identify potential collaborators and discuss realistic first steps.

Melissa will share perspectives from her work as a consultant, promoter and curator, including how to approach potential collaborators, establish clear expectations and develop projects that benefit everyone involved.

You do not need to have attended the previous session to take part.

What We’ll Explore

• Sharing stages and opportunities: Joint bills, co-organised concerts and reciprocal shows across cities.
• Exchanging contacts and knowledge: Connecting with venues, promoters and networks through thoughtful introductions.
• Pooling resources: Sharing equipment, transport, production skills and promotional work.
• Developing projects together: Collaborating with other artists, cafés, studios, community spaces and exploring joint funding opportunities.
• Making cooperation work: Agreeing on responsibilities, fees, costs and realistic commitments to turn ideas into action.

How the Session Works

The session combines practical input from Melissa with moderated peer-to-peer exchange and time to explore possible collaborations.

Each participant is invited to share:

• Something they want to make happen.
• Something they can offer.
• Something they need support with.

Together, we’ll identify connections within the group and potential partners beyond it.

Session Structure

1. Check-in & Introductions — 20 min
Sharing goals, resources and needs.

2. What Makes Cooperation Work? — 20 min
Practical examples, shared interests, realistic commitments and clear agreements.

3. Finding Connections — 30 min
Mapping ideas and resources to identify possible collaborations.

4. Developing a First Step — 35 min
Working in pairs or small groups to explore concrete ideas, responsibilities and next actions.

5. Closing & Follow-through — 15 min
Defining one concrete next step and opportunities to stay connected.

The aim is for everyone to leave with a clearer next step, whether that means exploring a shared project, making an introduction or arranging a follow-up conversation.

All experience levels are welcome. Please bring one idea or challenge, something you could offer others and a willingness to exchange.

Sharing contacts is voluntary; thoughtful introductions are welcome.